A lot of people ask me if I were shipwrecked, and could only have one book, what would it be?

I always say “How to Build a Boat”.     

–Stephen Wright (actor/writer)

Ahh, the open water….Boaters are never anything but completely immersed in the lifestyle when they are sailing on their vessel of choice. Whether taking a relaxing cruise through the tidal creeks or an exciting excursion on the Atlantic, there is something for every boater in southern coastal North Carolina.

There are many marinas to help you get the most out of your boating lifestyle in our coastal towns. We will highlight a few of our local favorites in the Southport area.

St. James Marina -

Enjoy year round boating at this full service marina (everything from gas to maintenance). With access to the Atlantic by a quick cruise through the Intracoastal  Waterway, this marina offers 155 wet slips and 320 dry slips. The dockmaster can arrange fishing charters and sightseeing cruises, too!

What about when you work up an appetite taking in all the beauty and adventure the coastal waters have to offer? Tommy Thompson’s Grille is the place to feed the beast and whet the whistle. With a full service menu from breakfast through dinner and cocktails at the Tiki bar, you will become a regular like so many have before you.  The food is freshly made to order to meet the tastes of any who visit. Speaking of variety, next door at Tommy’s Market you can find absolutely everything you could ask for! Wine, beer, fresh soup and salad bar, gourmet meats, snacks and specialty items, ice cream and coffee bar, and even gifts.  Most importantly they offer everything you need for your boating excursion. You’ll surely want to stay a while, and it is easy to do when you buy one of the gorgeous houses or condos within walking distance! Be sure to look into the amenity filled lifestyle that St. James Plantation Real Estate has to offer.

South Harbour Village Marina

Located at the base of the bridge to Oak Island beaches, South Harbour is a full/transient dock with everything  from WIFI to laundry facilities. With amenities like showers, taxi services and bike rentals, it is easy to get that second wind and explore the local scenery.  If your travels have made you hungry, but satisfied your need for adventure, there are relaxing options just a few steps away. The Dead End Saloon Fish Factory Grille located at the marina is a casual and quick option for lunch or dinner. With two outdoor patios and an indoor bar with a great view, you can fully recooperate from a day of boating.  Joseph’s Italian Bistro  also located at the marina, is well known for its fine dining choices for lunch or dinner. With recipes that have been passed down for generations, you know they have to be fantastic! Enjoy a drink from their extensive wine list and full bar while sitting in the lush dining room with the eye catching ocean view,  or bask in the sunset on their deck.  If that doesn’t put the wind back in your sails, nothing will! Be sure to check out Oak Island Real Estate to find out more about this beautiful community.

Southport Marina -

One of the largest amenity laden marinas in North Carolina, the Southport Marina is a fully nautical experience. Walking distance from downtown Southport, it makes exploring the local community, restaurants and shopping an easy excursion. It has a floating dock house and a transient/fuel dock with over 200 in-water protected slips and a 220 unit dry stack facility. Home of a Gregory Poole Marine Center, it has everything from mechanical and electrical repair, exterior refinishing, and a 75 ton travel lift (just to name a few of the services they offer). The marina also offers sail fishing and sight seeing tours through USCG licensed captains. Family reunion coming up? Need to make up for last year’s boring office party? You can rent the dock for special occasions! Now that would be an event to remember. See the available Southport NC Real Estate that can be found so close to this boater’s playground.

No matter what experience you are looking for in the boating lifestyle, it is available to you in the Southport area of North Carolina. Sunset cruises to deep sea charters, tidal creek fishing to light house tours, beach picnics to elegant seaside dinners are all just a few of the options that await you when you enter the world of coastal marina living in Southport, NC!